Rapp, Steve (2008).The quiet skies project. The Science
Teacher. 75, 62-66.
The quiet skies project is designed to teach students about radio frequency interference (RFI) in connection with radio astronomy. The teacher in the article contacted the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and received a free loaner Quiet Skies Device (QSD). According to Rapp, “The kit contains two QSD’s, batteries and battery chargers, two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units, two tripods to mount the detector on, a portable transmitter for students to detect RFI, spectrum chart, and an explanation of how everything works (Rapp, 2008).” Over the course of the year the students had to record information on the 800, 900,1420, and 1665 MHZ frequencies at various locations. At each location the students would test how elevation and compass position affected the reading. Rapp then had the students analysis the data to find any correlations between variables.
The article lacked any background information in regards to why they were interested in the QSP or if it was part of the physical science curriculum or an elective class. I believe that this lesson would be great in satisfying PS3 (9-11) SAE –10 GSE (Explain the effects on wavelength and frequency as
electromagnetic waves interact with matter (e.g.,light diffraction, blue sky).) However, the way Rapp had his students collecting data seemed to require driving off school grounds which would seem to limit this more to juniors and seniors in high school, unless the class was small and the school had a large van. Also, there would have to be adequate background knowledge before starting this project to ensure that the students were getting the most out of this lesson.
Teacher. 75, 62-66.
The quiet skies project is designed to teach students about radio frequency interference (RFI) in connection with radio astronomy. The teacher in the article contacted the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and received a free loaner Quiet Skies Device (QSD). According to Rapp, “The kit contains two QSD’s, batteries and battery chargers, two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units, two tripods to mount the detector on, a portable transmitter for students to detect RFI, spectrum chart, and an explanation of how everything works (Rapp, 2008).” Over the course of the year the students had to record information on the 800, 900,1420, and 1665 MHZ frequencies at various locations. At each location the students would test how elevation and compass position affected the reading. Rapp then had the students analysis the data to find any correlations between variables.
The article lacked any background information in regards to why they were interested in the QSP or if it was part of the physical science curriculum or an elective class. I believe that this lesson would be great in satisfying PS3 (9-11) SAE –10 GSE (Explain the effects on wavelength and frequency as
electromagnetic waves interact with matter (e.g.,light diffraction, blue sky).) However, the way Rapp had his students collecting data seemed to require driving off school grounds which would seem to limit this more to juniors and seniors in high school, unless the class was small and the school had a large van. Also, there would have to be adequate background knowledge before starting this project to ensure that the students were getting the most out of this lesson.
John. A